Tobacco Companies Settle Bribery Cases

WASHINGTON (CN) – Two tobacco companies will pay nearly $30 million to settle federal claims that they bribed officials in Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and elsewhere with to get sales contracts. Richmond, Va.-based Universal Corp. will pay $9 million in fines and disgorgement, and Morrisville, N.C.-based Alliance One will pay $19.5 million in fines and disgorgement.